John R. Henry

Fort Gratiot

John Randall Henry, 70, of Fort Gratiot, died Friday, March 4, 2016.

He was born November 4, 1945 in East Cleveland, Ohio to the late Jack and Lillian Henry. John taught art all over the country in many colleges and universities, most notably thirty-seven years at St. Clair County Community College, retiring in 2013. John's incredible talent and love of art was not just something he did, but who he was. As a graphic designer, he has had over 100 pieces in print and has received many regional and national awards for his work. He has exhibited both nationally and internationally in 25 one-man shows.

He is survived by his true love and wife, Carol; loving children, Sara Henry, Susan Chamberlain (Paul Rooke) and Greg Chamberlain; grandchildren that he was very proud of, Jonathan Chamberlain, Kennedy Rooke and Camryn Rooke; and brothers, Patrick Henry and George (Tria) O'Maille. He was preceded in death by his son, Nathan "Eddie" Henry in March 2014.

John's wish was to have a "gathering" at our home. We welcome friends, family, neighbors, SC4 faculty and former students, fellow artists from Studio 1219 and the Sarnia art community to come together to honor a life well lived. Join us Saturday, March 12, 2016 anytime between 4-8 pm at 3737 Loton Drive, Fort Gratiot.

No flowers or plants please. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Studio 1219 Port Huron or Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Sarnia.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, please visit www.pollockrandall.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times Herald on Mar. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Henry

Sponsored by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home - Port Huron.

10 Entries

Jim Berry

February 28, 2021

John was a special friend, colleague and advocate of learning and kids let alone adults. His legacy is in his art, his family and SC4 community. We shared a special connection given that John was born in East Cleveland and I lived there too. We all miss him for sure.

Jim Berry

February 29, 2020

Re-reading some of the memories of dear John Henry makes me think of the wonderful adventures we had together working with some children from the greater Port Huron area --- working through science and technology topics. This was a special summer program that we jointly collaborated on with Franklin Bennet from SC4. We didn't have to do this, we chose this because we knew it would help kids. We even spent several different weeks at Silver Trails Boy Scout Camp creating some trail guideposts and trail guides to go with them. The kids did most of the work. John and I were teaching buddies even though we came from different backgrounds and academic preparations, we somehow harmonized. John had a special talent with teaching, learning and students and I learned from him. We both retired at the same time, 2013 after decades of public service. I will never forget John...it's kind of hard, since we have a lovely watercolor that I bought for my wife that he painted. John was a teacher's teacher and I deeply respected him.

Jan Prusik

March 19, 2016

Studio 1219 with it's members will always cherish the memories of our artistic times with John. He will remain greatly missed by our studio family. Much love to Carol along with Johns extended family and friends.

St Joe Vikings - Class of 1963

March 18, 2016

May our Viking classmate John - "REST IN PEACE"

Jeannine Capadagli

March 8, 2016

I was a student of John's back in 1980 and '81. He had a big influence on me and with his guidance I received a scholarship to the Center for Creative Studies, Detroit. He has had a lasting impression on so many people. My prayers are with you Carol and your families. May he rest in peace.

Rosemary L

March 7, 2016

I met John in the early 1980's. He brought his students to our office where they painted a large collage on the wall across from my desk. We had some nice visits and I will always remember that time. To my surprise I ran into John and his wife at the doctor's office this past fall. I was sorry to see him under those circumstances. I enjoyed our brief chat. It was nice to catch up a bit. I'm so sorry he has been taken from his family and the community. His obituary picture is a testament to his talent.

Jane Kelley Warsinske

March 7, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the Henry family. The art community has lost a great visionary and teacher.

James Berry

March 7, 2016

Our deepest sympathies and condolences to you Carol and the whole Henry Family. There was a light that was extinguished with the passing of John. His legacy continues though through his work and his thousands of students spanning four decades! We are so sorry for your loss. John was way too young! JIM and KAROLYN BERRY

Linda Harmon

March 6, 2016

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was one of the best teachers, fellow colleagues and friends I have ever known. I owe so much of my career and a great deal of who I am to him. He believed in me when I didn't know how. Holding him close in prayer. So sorry I will not be able to attend services due to recent surgery. My most sincere condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.

Jan Prusik

March 6, 2016

We will miss John forever. Studio 1219

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